- How to Invest in Growth Stock Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a way to invest in multiple stocks, bonds or other investments in one convenient package. Growth mutual funds zero in on stocks from some of the largest companies in the world. If you’re wondering how to invest… read more…
- What Is a Principal Owner of a Company?
When used to refer to an owner of a business, the term “principal” can be a designation for any of several positions and entail a range of key responsibilities. But the rubric under which all the possible responsibilities of a… read more…
- What Is an Investment Policy Statement?
Financial advisors often prepare for their clients an investment policy statement, which outlines your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and asset allocation. It may also list specific securities or sectors you want to avoid. Even if you don’t have an… read more…
- What Is The College for Financial Planning?
The College for Financial Planning is a degree-granting institution that has various financial certification programs available for students. It provides graduate degree, non-degree and continuing professional education programs for students. It was founded in 1972 and is now part of… read more…
- What Is a Fund of Funds?
While investing does include stocks and bonds, it also includes many small securities put together. Sometimes portfolios have funds that are pooled, which include stocks, bonds and other securities. That type of investment is called a fund of funds. Before you… read more…
- Tariffs: Definition, Examples, Issues and More
Tariffs, which are taxes placed on imports and exports between two countries, have increased in prominence during the Trump administration. Now, in an effort to control inflation, President Biden is considering whether to lift $300 billion worth of tariffs on… read more…
- How Class A, B and C Shares Differ
Shares of publicly traded corporations are not all created equal. Some company shares, which are also called stocks or equities, give owners greater benefits or voting rights than owners of other classes of stock. The corporation’s owners can create the… read more…
- Market Timing: Is It Really Possible?
Timing the market is more commonly known as the investor’s golden rule: Buy low, sell high. It is the practice of building your purchases around expected changes in the price of an asset. For the purposes of this article we… read more…
- What Is a Conservatorship, and How Does It Work?
A conservatorship is a way for someone to assume legal guardianship over an adult. Families often use conservatorships to help deal with the mounting medical, financial and mental health needs of a parent. The status of a conservatorship is dependent… read more…
- Should You Invest In a Small-Cap Fund?
When choosing which stocks to invest in, you may run into these terms: small-cap, mid-cap and large-cap. A small-cap growth fund invests in smaller companies whose share prices are growing steadily. A small-cap value fund invests in smaller companies deemed… read more…
- What Are Socially Responsible Investing Funds?
Socially responsible investing funds or SRI funds are a way to grow your investment portfolio while doing something for the greater good. For example, you might invest in funds that advance social causes, encourage better corporate governance or promote a… read more…
- What Is Active Management and Is It Right for You?
If you’re looking for an investment strategy designed to beat the market, active management could be an option. The goal of active management is to outperform a market index or, in a market downturn, to book losses that are less severe… read more…
- Most and Least Expensive Places to Retire – 2019 Edition
As cost of living and taxes vary throughout the U.S., location is one of the biggest factors impacting how much money you need in retirement savings. That’s why many Americans wonder whether they might want to consider relocating for their golden years. If you want to make sure you’re headed for a secure retirement, consider… read more…
- What Is the Series 86 Exam and License?
Passing the Series 86 exam — also known as the Research Analyst Qualification exam — is necessary for anyone who wants to work as research analyst for a broker-dealer member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Series 86 comprises… read more…
- What Is an Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)?
Tax professionals designated as accredited tax preparers (ATP) can help ensure an individual’s returns are up to the standards of the IRS. By passing an exam, the national ATP credential demonstrates a thorough understanding of the current tax code and… read more…
- How to Plan Your Finances for a Divorce
Divorce planning involves taking careful steps to manage finances during a significant life transition. By examining assets, understanding joint financial responsibilities, and assessing future income and expenses, individuals can make informed choices that help create stability. In addition to dividing assets, divorce planning may include considerations like retirement accounts, health insurance, and child support or… read more…
- What Is the Series 52 Exam and License?
A Series 52 certification lets professionals trade municipal securities. Also known as the Municipal Securities Representative Qualification Examination, it’s one of the first steps toward a career as a licensed municipal securities representative. Here’s what Series 52 covers and what its… read more…
- What Is the Series 82 Exam and License?
The Series 82 gives its holder the authority to conduct private securities transactions, among other activities. The exam is also known as the Private Securities Offerings Representative Exam. Private securities are investments only available for a select group of investors. Here’s… read more…
- What is the Series 26 Exam and License?
Financial professionals who plan on selling closed-ended funds, mutual funds, and variable products must follow a specific career path. They’ll take the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Principal Qualification Examination (Series 26) and obtain the Series 26 license. Here’s… read more…
- Certified in Social Security Claiming Strategies (CSSCS)
Social Security benefits can be confusing, even for the most seasoned financial professional. But those advisors who have earned the Certified in Social Security Claiming Strategies certification are well-versed in the ins and outs of their Social Security. They can help their… read more…
- Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS)
A Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) is a financial professional who helps families prepare for the costs of college. These experts are able to help fill out financial aid forms and answer questions about 529 savings plans. Here’s how professionals… read more…
- What Is the Series 24 Exam and License?
Financial professionals seeking to gain more knowledge and expertise might look to exams and licenses to complete for further education and skills. For some, taking the General Securities Principal Qualification Examination — or Series 24 exam — will be helpful.… read more…
- What Is a Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC)?
If you’re a socially conscious person, it can affect every aspect of your life, from the car you drive to where you shop. It can also impact which companies you choose to invest in, and many investors choose to pursue… read more…
- What Is a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)?
Millions of Americans retire each year and the financial services industry is trying hard to meet demand. To that end, many advisors have specialized by earning professional certifications that highlight their retirement planning expertise. A Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)… read more…
- About the Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC)
With millions of people living into their 70s, 80s and 90s, the costs of healthcare, long-term care, aides and nursing homes are straining finances in many families. In response to this chronic problem, the financial and insurance industries have created many specializations for professional advisors. One of these, the Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC), focuses… read more…